Dota 2 7.34e Gameplay Update: All Winners, Losers, Ratings, Major Changes And More

Valve has once again wielded the balancing sceptre with the release of Dota 2 patch 7.34e. While not a revolutionary overhaul, this update introduces a plethora of changes that promise to impact hero viability, itemization strategies, and the overall dynamics of the game. Check the key aspects of this patch, exploring the winners, losers, and the seismic shifts in the Dota 2 landscape.

Winners of the Patch:

Timbersaw:

Timbersaw emerges as a beacon of victory in patch 7.34e. The rework to Whirling Death, now stripping away 13% of a hero’s main stats, is a game-changer. This change, particularly potent against strength heroes, positions Timbersaw as a formidable force in the current meta. With Heart of Tarrasque providing less overall strength, the stage is set for Timbersaw to dominate the battlefield.

Shadow Shaman:

Shadow Shaman receives a substantial boost with an enhancement to Hex. The ability now provides double damage amplification at level one, reaching a peak of 25%. This early-game power spike significantly elevates Shadow Shaman’s impact, making him a more attractive pick in various lineups.

Undying:

Undying sees positive adjustments in the form of a Tombstone buff. The Zombie damage reduction is increased at earlier levels, solidifying Undying’s position as a potent teamfighter. This tweak is likely to make him a more appealing choice in drafts, especially in situations where sustained engagements are key.

Losers of the Patch:

Chaos Knight:

The 7.34e update deals a harsh blow to Chaos Knight. A reduction of five starting damage, an increased mana cost for Phantasm, and a significant cut in lifesteal make him less appealing across all stages of the game. Anticipated outcomes include a decrease in win rates and a shift in the hero’s role within team compositions.

Bristleback:

Bristleback, a familiar presence in many lineups, faces the repercussions of the nerf hammer. A reduction in damage output within a smaller area necessitates a reevaluation of skill leveling. These changes may prompt players to explore alternative offlane options, impacting the prevalence of Bristleback in competitive and casual matches.

Kunkka:

Kunkka undergoes significant adjustments that alter his dynamics. Ghostship sees reduced damage reduction, Torrent Storm becomes less reliable, and Tidal Wave undergoes alterations. While Magic Kunkka remains viable, the tweaks introduce a shift in playstyle and effectiveness, potentially impacting his popularity in both professional and pub play.

Items in the Spotlight:

Hand of Midas:

Hand of Midas, a staple for economic acceleration in many games, receives a notable nerf. The addition of 10 seconds to its cooldown adds an element of risk to its purchase. Players must now weigh the potential benefits against the increased downtime, impacting the item’s attractiveness in different scenarios.

Heart of Tarrasque:

A cornerstone item for tanky heroes, Heart of Tarrasque undergoes adjustments. With a 100-gold price hike and a reduction of five strength, it becomes a slightly less appealing choice. The implications of these changes ripple through hero survivability and itemization choices, prompting players to reconsider their reliance on this stalwart item.

Blade Mail:

Surprisingly, Blade Mail remains unscathed by the balancing efforts. Its synergy with Heart of Tarrasque, a notable duo in the previous patch, persists without adjustments. This unexpected immunity raises questions and adds an intriguing layer to itemization choices in various matchups.

Dota 2 patch 7.34e may not revolutionize the game, but it certainly introduces nuanced changes that will reverberate across the community. The winners of this patch, Timbersaw and Shadow Shaman, are poised to leave their mark on the competitive scene. Meanwhile, the losers, especially Chaos Knight, face challenges that demand strategic adaptations.

As the Dota 2 community navigates the intricacies of this update, one thing is certain – the landscape of the game has shifted. The ESL Kuala Lumpur tournament in December looms on the horizon, promising an exciting showcase of strategies born from the 7.34e meta. Brace yourselves for thrilling clashes and innovative approaches as teams and players explore the uncharted territories of Dota 2’s ever-evolving battleground.